Summary Four men, Frosch, Brander, Siebel, and Altmayer, are drinking in a tavern in the city of Leipzig. Mephistopheles has offered to show Faust the pleasures that can be gotten from convivial company and good cheer. They enter and join the others. After observing their coarseness and watching Mephistopheles befuddle […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Auerbach’s Cellar in LeipzigSummary and Analysis Part 1: Faust’s Study (iii)
Summary The next day Faust is alone in his study again. Mephistopheles enters, dressed as a nobleman. He tries to tempt Faust by offering him a life of limitless wealth and pleasure, but Faust sadly declines the offer, saying that the world’s pleasures cannot end his doubts or satisfy his […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Faust’s Study (iii)Summary and Analysis Part 1: Faust’s Study (ii)
Summary Evening finds Faust in his study. The poodle is still with him. Faust’s soul is tranquil after his happy afternoon, and he feels confident of finding peace. He says: Ah, when in our narrow cell The lamp once more imparts good cheer, Then in our bosom — in the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Faust’s Study (ii)Summary and Analysis Part 1: Outside the City Gate
Summary It is Easter Sunday afternoon. The townspeople are all strolling into the countryside to welcome the advent of Spring. Their mood is gay and youthful. It is as if they are celebrating the world’s resurrection from winter, Faust remarks to Wagner, for the two scholars have joined the throng […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Outside the City GateSummary and Analysis Part 1: Night: Faust’s Study (i)
Summary In a narrow, vaulted Gothic chamber Dr. Heinrich Faust sits at his desk, surrounded by a clutter of books and scientific instruments. It is Easter Eve. Now fifty years old, Faust is depressed and frustrated. He has mastered all the important academic disciplines — Philosophy, Medicine, Law and Theology […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Night: Faust’s Study (i)Summary and Analysis Part 1: Prologue in Heaven
Summary The Lord and all the hosts of heaven are assembled. The three archangels, Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael, individually step forward and recite eloquent praises of the beauty and perfection of the universe and the omnipotence of God. Then Mephistopheles (also called Mephisto, the devil) enters. He cannot imitate the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Prologue in HeavenSummary and Analysis Part 1: Prelude in the Theatre
Summary A discussion takes place on the stage of a theatre between a director, a poet, and a clown. They argue about what constitutes a good play. Three points of view are presented. The director is interested in those things which make the play a commercial success: action and novelty. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Prelude in the TheatreSummary and Analysis Part 1: Dedication
Summary In this short poem preceding the main action of the tragedy, Goethe describes the thoughts that run through his mind as he sits in his study, preparing to work on the manuscript of Faust after a lapse of many years. He seems to see vague forms and shadows floating […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: DedicationAbout Faust, Parts 1 and 2
Introduction Faust, Goethe’s great dramatic poem in two parts, is his crowning work. Even though it is based on the medieval legend of a man who sold his soul to the devil, it actually treats modern man’s sense of alienation and his need to come to terms with the world […]
Read more About Faust, Parts 1 and 2Poem Summary
Heinrich Faust, a learned scholar, feels that none of his many achievements has provided him with satisfaction or a sense of fulfillment. He yearns to gain knowledge of absolute truth and the meaning of existence. Faust turns to magic in the hope of finding a solution and finally makes a […]
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